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Chapter 43
~X~
"When you find yourself surrounded by those who don't know or care who you are, comfort yourself knowing that you are part of something far greater and more powerful than they will ever have the privilege of knowing."
~Mandalore the Ultimate~
Din and Ravana did indeed stay the night, helping Kuiil and Merp get acquainted and the young Ugnaught settled in. Though, if you asked Din, they had remained more for Ravana's peace of mind than Merp's. For the youngster took to Kuiil immediately, loving his new home and new father with a fierceness that allowed Din to rest easy. When the child learned he would actually have a room of his very own, they thought he would break down crying all over again. Thus the evening progressed, with Kuiil lavishing little Merp with both gifts and affection, much to everyone's delight.
Din found sleeping beside Ravana far more enjoyable this time than the last, without having to worry about waking her up to return to her own room. Junior and Zax had spent the evening in Merp's new room, keeping the lad company on his first night. That afforded the two of them some much needed time alone, something they'd had very little of lately.
"I think Kuiil has really taken to Merp," Ravana whispered as she rested her head on Din's bare chest that night. She's made use of the blindfold again, allowing him to remove his helmet in order to be more comfortable. That and she said she enjoyed hearing his voice without any hindrance. "I believe they'll make a very happy family."
"I agree," Din replied. "Merp couldn't ask for a better place to grow up."
"A few trees and some grass would have been nice," she mused. "But other than that, I won't argue with you one bit. We'll have to make sure we come visit now and then. We haven't even left yet and I kind of miss them both already."
"You have to tender a heart," Din chuckled, leaning down to place a soft kiss on her forehead. "Still, it's one of the things I love about you."
"Oh? And what are a few of the other things about me you find irresistible?" she asked in a playful voice.
"So many I couldn't list them all in a million years," he assured her. "Yet, I will endeavor to inform you of one every day for the rest of my life."
"You will?" she sounded touched by the gesture. "I think you'll soon spoil me, Din Djarin."
"That is my aim, Ravana Djarin," he promised.
"I do like the sound of that," she mused. "And I'll love it even more when it's official by Mandalorian standards."
"Something that will be taking place as soon as we arrive back on Anoah," he informed her. "Though, before then, you have a few choices to make."
"I do? Like what? Do I need to pick out a place setting or curtains for our new home?" Ravana asked.
"No. You need to decide to what degree you wish to become a Mandalorian," he explained.
"Huh?" she questioned, sitting up a bit and turning her blindfolded eyes towards him. "I thought I was Mandalorian. If what Ahsoka said is true, and my mother and uncles were born on Concord Dawn, wouldn't I automatically be a Mandalorian?"
"Mandalorians aren't a race…they're a creed," he informed her. "Even if you are born into the life, it's still a choice you must make once you are old enough to understand the implications. No one can make that choice for you."
"What does it mean for me, and you, if I do or don't swear to the creed?" was her next question.
"You will be my wife, thus a member of the covert no matter what," he explained. "Nothing will change that. You will be welcomed and granted every privilege afforded to the mate of a Mandalorian. Yet, if you wished to be one of us in all forms, you would need to dedicate yourself by swearing to the creed."
"And I'd have to put on the armor…and never take it off, like you?" Ravana reasoned, at last catching on.
"A Mandalorian's armor is not just for protection," Din said, his voice heavy with conviction. "It's a way of life, one you must be utterly committed to. It is not something you choose one day and set aside the next. It's also difficult and will take you to the breaking point, but you will be better for it in the long run. You will emerge stronger than you ever were in your previous life, so long as you remain true to your brothers and sisters, true to your Mand'alor, and true to yourself." He reached out and stroked the side of her face, loving the feel of her skin against his. "And yet…I would not wish for you to take on such an obligation. I would want you to be carefree, unfettered, and belong only to me. I would miss seeing your beautiful face every moment of the day, and only be granted the privilege of doing so in the privacy of our own home. Still…the choice is yours. You are free to dictate your own path."
"Then I choose you, Din Djarin," she informed him with a wide smile. "I will be your wife, I will stand at your side, bear your children, and die in your arms when we are both old and gray. I'm happy knowing where my family came from, yet I feel no need to dedicate myself to the creed. If you will have me as I am…I choose not to put on the armor, but instead I'll enjoy the feeling of the armor around me in the form of your protective embrace."
"Then that is how it shall be," he agreed. "I would not want for you to be both hunter and prey…only happy and content as my wife."
"That I will be," she smiled, snuggling down against him once more. "I will be a Mandalorian at heart."
"And possess the heart of this Mandalorian," he added, wrapping his arms around her with a sigh of contentment. "Now, get some sleep. We will leave tomorrow and head back to Anoah…where we will marry and officially begin our lives together. One that is free of worry from Gideon and any others who would bring us harm."
And as Din listened to Ravana drift off to sleep, he truly hoped he could keep such a promise to her.
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The next morning Din found a few moments alone with Kuiil, the two of them standing back a bit as they watched Merp, Junior, and Ravana petting the Blurrgs through the fence.
"You think you can handle the little fellow?" Din asked, chuckling at Merp who squealed and laughed as the large beasts licked his hands and face.
"At least the Blurrgs seem to like him," Kuiil said with a hum of approval. "Which is more than can be said for you when you first came here. It will probably be easier to teach him to ride them as well."
Din could tell he was only teasing, but that didn't stop him from giving a disgruntled huff anyway. Yet his next words were more serious, wishing for Kuiil to know all the facts.
"Merp and the other kids we rescued were singled out and taken by Gideon because they were Force sensitive to some degree," he said. "Though I have it on good authority that Merp's powers might never mature. Still…there is always the chance they could. I thought it only right you should know."
"A child is a child," Kuiil countered. "Force sensitive or not, he will still need a home and a family. I can offer both." He turned his gaze back to the little Ugnaught. "And if things continue to progress as they are…I will have no trouble giving him love as well. I never thought I would be blessed with a child to care for, but now I'm rather excited about the idea."
"I'm glad," Din nodded. "He could have returned to the covert with us, but I think he has a much better chance at a normal childhood here with you."
"I will see to it," Kuiil agreed. "I take it you and Ravana will be keeping the kid with you then?"
"Yes…and we gave him a name," Din informed him. "We're calling him Junior."
"That is a good name for one his size," Kuiil chuckled.
"Yes, I suppose it is," Din agreed, not having thought of it that way before. "We will return to Anoah, where the covert is now located, and I will continue to help support them using my bounty hunting skills. I want a home for both Ravana and the kid where they will be safe. And flying around the galaxy on my ship would not afford that."
"I agree with you…but does Ravana?" Kuiil asked. "She does not strike me as the type to sit at home and wait for her man's return."
"Perhaps," Din mused. "Though I suppose that doesn't mean she can't accompany me every now and then on a job…those that are not too high a risk."
"I wish you luck with that, Mandalorian," Kuiil offered. "And should she kick you out of the house over all this, you will always have a bed to sleep in, here with us."
"Thanks for your vote of confidence," Din grumbled, hearing the laughter behind the Ugnaught's words. Still…he had a valid point. There was an old saying among his people, 'A Mandalorian woman's greatest talent was not her charm or beauty, but her strength of body and will'. And while Ravana had both charm and beauty to spare, Din was also very much aware of her strength of will. He would need to present his idea of her staying behind on Anoah very carefully.
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It wasn't long after that when Din announced it was time to leave, now well assured that Kuiil and Merp would be just fine on their own. It was a tearful farewell, with Ravana giving little Merp a dozen hugs at least, and half as many to Kuiil as well. She'd become rather attached to the pair of Ugnaughts during the short time they'd been acquainted, and she made several promises to come back and visit soon. Din was fine with that, for he felt the same way.
"Take care of yourself and the kid, Ravana," Kuiil told her in parting. "And see if you can do the same for the Mandalorian…since he appears unable to stay out of trouble."
"I'll do my best," she laughed, stepping back as the Ugnaught then addressed Din.
"Thank you again for bringing peace to my valley," Kuiil told him, then looking down at the young lad at his side he added. "And for now bringing love to it as well." This earned the older Ugnaught a wide grin from the younger, looking up at him with eyes filled with admiration and affection.
"You watch over Kuiil for us, all right, Merp?" Ravana said, kneeling down in front of him one last time.
"I will!" he assured her. "He even said I could start to learn to ride the Blurrgs soon! And that we would take them all over the farm to check the vaporators. I can't wait!" He then looked up at Din. "And thank you, Mr. Mandalorian for finding me a new home."
"You're welcome, Merp," Din nodded. "But now it's time we left."
"Safe journey," Kuiil told them, placing his hand on Merp's shoulder as they watched them board the Razor Crest.
Once in the cockpit, Ravana and the kid waved to Kuiil and Merp, the two of them becoming small dots against the barren ground as they rose into the sky. Yet Din knew he could rest assured that this would not be their final parting. Especially now he knew Kuiil was alive, and there was no longer the threat of Gideon hanging over their heads.
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The trip back to Anoah was short and blessedly uneventful. Din wasn't sure he could have handled any more delays or complications, when all he wanted to do was finally make Ravana his official wife. He also knew that Cara was delaying her return to Nevarro in order to be on hand for their wedding.
Mandalorians didn't normally have large lavish ceremonies…in fact, many of their unions were performed in the midst of a battle or conflict. The words they would speak were simple, yet profound, and all that really mattered was that a man and a woman chose each other to spend the rest of their lives as one. Yet, Ravana deserved more than a hurried pledge…she deserved something special, and Din aimed to see she got it.
Having Cara there would be nice for Ravana, since she had no other family to stand up for her, and a female friend might go a long way in easing her nerves…if she was indeed nervous.
Din knew he was, though he couldn't for the life of him figure out why. He loved Ravana and wanted nothing more than to spend his life with her. Still, marriage was a major commitment…as was taking on the responsibility of raising a child. And Din would be pledging to do both at the same time. Was he ready for such obligations? Was he prepared to give up his freedom to roam the galaxy for that of hearth and home?
Yet, all it took was one look at Ravana sitting on the floor of the cargo hold, playing with Junior and Zax, and all such concerns melted away. Yes. He was more than ready to pledge his life to her and all that went with it. There was no doubt in his mind that this was the way.
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"Well, it's about time you got here," Cara huffed as Din, Ravana, the kid, and Zax exited the Razor Crest at the docking bay on Anoah.
"And I see you got your friend to take the little Ugnaught off your hands," Paz added. "Did you have to twist his arm much?" And while his words sounded a bit harsh, the tone in which he spoke betrayed his approval of matching them up.
"I think they will make a very fine family of two," Din confirmed, locking up the ship as they left the port with Paz and Cara. Both Zax and the kid were happy to see their friends again, with the zaktan running circles around Paz's legs, making the larger Mandalorian chuckle. Yet, when Junior reached out his little hands towards Cara, to everyone's surprise, she took him in her arms willingly.
"And how are you doing, little one?" she asked, smiling at him as he cooed up at her. "You look no worse for wear."
"He has a name now," Ravana spoke up, breaking everyone out of their shock. "His name is Mando Djarin, but we call him Junior for short."
This had both Cara and Paz laughing with approval.
"Junior, is it?" the female shock trooper questioned. "Looks like you're now the certified father-figure, Mando."
"We aim to adopt him," Din confirmed. "At our wedding ceremony today, we'll make it official."
"I'm happy for you, really," Paz stated, laying his hand on Din's shoulder in approval. "I know how important family is to you."
"That it is," Din agreed, though all could tell that he was a bit uncomfortable by such sentiments. Thankfully, Ravana spoke up, quickly changing the subject.
"And what have you two been up to while we were away?" she questioned.
Din knew the nature of Paz's feelings when it came to Cara, but he wasn't quite sure where she landed on the subject.
"Paz gave me a tour around the covert," Cara answered casually. "Quite the place you have there, Mando, I must say. Just as secure and secret, but a lot nicer than the sewers of Nevarro."
"Oh, and we got in a bit of sparring too," Paz added, making it sound as natural as could be. "Cara's no slouch when it comes to battle. Not that I ever believed otherwise."
"You better not, you big lug," she warned, giving his arm a playful slap as the two of them headed out of the docking bay and towards the entrance to the covert.
As Paz and Cara continued on, both of them entertained by the kid and the zaktan, Din took ahold of Ravana's hand and urged her to slow her pace, allowing the pair to get a few steps ahead of them.
"Did you see that?" he whispered, gesturing to Paz and Cara.
"How could I miss it?" Ravana giggled, doing her best to keep her voice low. "I wouldn't be surprised if sparring wasn't the only physical thing they've been doing. I see a couple in the making, an unorthodox one perhaps, but a couple for sure."
"Remind you of anyone else?" Din questioned, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her firmly against his side.
"Hmmm, let me think," she teased, tapping her finger against her chin in thought. "Nope, can't imagine who you might mean."
"I'll remind you of your words again later on tonight," Din warned, his tone no longer as light and teasing as before. "You will be mine in only a short time, Ravana…and I promise you won't have any doubts come morning of how much I desire you."
Ravana felt her whole body shiver with excitement at his words, as well as their meaning. Until now, their wedding had always been something in the future, something to look forward to. But suddenly, that time had come, and she would indeed be Din's wife before nightfall.
Tonight would be her wedding night!
And this time would prove to be nothing like their first, after they acquired their bonding bracelets on Katella, where she'd gone to her room and slept alone. No…this time she would be sharing a bed with Din, and it wouldn't be simply to cuddle or sleep!
"Ravana?" Din's voice broke through her thoughts, bringing her back to the present. "Are you all right?"
He sounded seriously concerned, and it was then that Ravana realized she had stopped walking and was staring at him. Blushing slightly, she took hold of his arm, urging him to continue on, choosing not to feed his ego by revealing what she'd just been thinking about.
"I'm just fine, thank you very much," she laughed. "Although, it just occurred to me that I don't even know what I'm supposed to wear." When Din swiveled his head to stare at her, Ravana's face turned an even deeper shade of red, causing her to quickly add, "For the ceremony, I mean. Is there a special dress or outfit I should have for a Mandalorian wedding?"
"Oh…I don't think you need to worry about that," Din replied, seeming to relax at her words. "I informed the Armorer about my intentions before we left…so if there's anything required, I'm sure she's already taken care of it. She knows all the laws and traditions like the back of her hand."
"Oh good," Ravana sighed. This had actually been something weighing on her mind, having had no time or opportunity to purchase anything special for the occasion. Thankfully, just before leaving the Razor Crest she'd thought to grab a few items…just in case. Reaching down she patted the satchel she'd been carrying, pleased to know she had an alternate plan if needed. It was one less thing to worry about that might delay the night's festivities. Because even if she had to move planets and stars…she was marrying Din Djarin that night!
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Once back at the covert, the group was quickly surrounded by many of its inhabitants, all either wanting to hear of Din's adventures, or to see the kid again…he'd become a big hit with the younger ones it seemed. They mingled for a bit, answering questions, and getting reacquainted. But soon their presence was requested by the Armorer, news having spread quickly of their return.
"Paz tells me that you not only defeated the man who was hunting your foundling, but you discovered two Jedi as well," the Armorer said, dispensing with the pleasantries and getting right to the point.
"One Jedi, and one…well, not exactly a Jedi, but close enough," Din informed her, unsure what to classify Ahsoka as. "She trained to be one of them but left the order for personal reasons."
"Reasons I know well," the masked woman chuckled. "For I too am acquainted with the Togruta woman you speak of. We met a long time ago when we were both quite a bit younger."
"You knew Ahsoka Tano?" Ravana gasped.
Din recalled the Armorer saying she had once been friends with a Jedi, but he'd never dreamed it had been the one who'd just fought by his side.
"She came to the aid of our people when Darth Maul had taken control of Mandalore," the Armorer related. "It was she who assisted Bo Katan in reclaiming the position her sister once held as ruler. I was there, and fought at their side, thus she earned my respect and admiration. Ahsoka Tano will forever be a friend to all Mandalorians."
"Well, you'll be happy to learn that she is off on an adventure with none other than Sabine Wren, of House Vizsla," Din reported.
"A formidable team…I pity whoever is foolish enough to cross them," the Armorer laughed. She then looked at the little, green kid grinning happily at everyone from Cara's arms. "The child continues to be under your care?"
"Yes," Din informed her. "Ravana and I intend to adopt him as our own."
"Ahh, so you still wish to take this woman as your mate, according to the customs of the Mandalor?" was her next question.
"I do," he nodded. "My feelings have not changed, and she has consented to be my wife as well."
Here the woman turned her gaze directly on Ravana.
"And do you understand what it means to marry into our clan? What is expected of you…the choices you must now make?" she inquired.
"I do," Ravana spoke up bravely, though always feeling a bit intimidated by this important woman. "It has been explained it to me in great detail."
"We have also since learned that Ravana's mother and two brothers were born on Concord Dawn," Din broke in. "Mandalorian blood flows through her veins."
"Ahhh, it is as I suspected then," the Armorer nodded. "It was her accent that gave her ancestry away, though I wasn't quite sure if I was correct."
"You knew all along, and didn't tell me?" Ravana demanded, rather put out to be the last to know.
"I said, I suspected…I did not know for certain," she corrected. "Yet, it is good to have one of our lost children return to the fold, for our numbers are few and our people are scattered. You are welcome here by your heritage alone, but if you choose to take Din as your mate, you will be doubly so. Will you be swearing to the creed…or retain your status as a Mandalorian solely by blood and marriage?"
"She will not be taking the oath," Din explained for her. "She will be my wife only."
"As is her right," the Armorer nodded. "Then come, child, for you will need to prepare for the ceremony, and there is much I need to tell you before you speak the words. Things that every Mandalorian wife should know."
"Oh? Really?" Ravana was excited to hear this, wondering if what she might learn could be of help to her on her wedding night. "Can Cara come too? I would like her to stand at my side…if she's agreeable, that is." She glanced over at her friend, hopefully.
"If I'm allowed," Cara nodded, understanding the creed's need for secrecy.
"You are if she wishes you to be present," the older woman agreed. "Yet, know that this is an honor we have bestowed on very few aruetiise {outsiders}. You are privileged indeed."
"And I thank you for the honor," Cara told her respectfully.
"Now, follow me," the Armorer instructed.
Thus, with Cara handing the kid back to Din, and Ravana instructing Zax to remain with him as well, the three women headed for the door. Just before exiting, Ravana turned and looked back, knowing that she wouldn't see Din again until it was time to speak their vows. Blowing him a kiss, she all but skipped away, knowing she would soon become Din's wife at last.
Ok, the wedding is next. Everyone shine up their beskar and find an appropriate gift for the happy couple.
How did everyone like the whole 'swearing to the creed' issue? Some of that came from cannon, some from me...its a mish mash of both.
Merp and Kuiil seem to be getting along just fine.
The kid is happy.
Cara and Paz seem happy too (wink wink)
And the Armorer's suspicions were correct...oh, and she knew Ahsoka!
Now, let's get to those vows and make with the Mandalorian marriage!
Guest Reviews:
Lilais: Kuiil and Merp were pretty cute together, right? I'd listen to those bones if I were you...they might be right. ha ha. Wedding will be in the next chapter! Nope, I won't be abandoning this one (or any other for that matter - I finish what I start). OH I like that saying very much. "what is created by the mind is more alive than matter." And I thank you for the compliment...if indeed you were saying that about my story. See you next time! T.O.W.G.
Phantom Guest: 41 - Yep, Din and Paz were rather shocked to see Sabine. And Rex is the closest she has to an uncle now, right? Din did a good job convincing Eson that Ravana didn't kill his brother. Din and Paz are like brothers, they are always going to tease each other. ha ha. No worries, post whenever you can, I love them no matter what. I will take them near, or I will take them far, I will take them in a room or in a car. I will take them Sam I Am. ha ha.(Dr. Seuss reference there) 42 - Good, I thought they needed a bit of time alone to decompress and to go over important stuff like the kid's name. Yep, the kid knows his name...he's smart. I just HAD to put in that line where Din turned the "I have spoken" thing back on Kuiil. ha ha. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading and reviewing! T.O.W.G.